Music: Community Music BA (Hons)

On this module you will develop your technical ability in music by performing, listening and composing for a series of projects. Through this you will explore rhythm, melody, harmony, texture and form in music, considering these elements across different genres and styles. You will gain experience in composing, arranging and performing music, as well as receiving individual tuition in either voice or your chosen instrument. You will also learn about the creative application of music sequencing, notation and the use of audio software.

On this module you will develop your research and writing skills, preparing you to study music at university level. By completing several short projects, you will explore music from a range of genres, appreciating how music connects with societal, cultural and political issues. These projects will also allow you to develop musical skills such as score reading and production analysis. The vocabulary and skills you gain on this module will help you throughout your degree.

On this module you will develop your ability to work collaboratively to create music. You will take part in different musical ensembles, rehearsing together in preparation for weekly lunchtime and evening concerts. These ensembles will cover a range of genres and styles and be overseen or directed by staff members and students. We offer many different ensemble groups, so you could find yourself playing in:

• Chamber and gospel choirs
• Jazz vocal improvisation groups
• The Musical Production Society
• Samba, soul, concert and brass bands
• Ukulele or classical orchestras

This module will enable you to develop your vocal abilities, both spoken and sung. You will learn through a series of workshops dealing not only with basic breathing and voice production techniques, but also covering topics such as the spoken voice and vocal ensemble performance. Simultaneously, seminars explore a range of vocal styles from varied cultures and contextual locations.

You will also develop your workshop, conducting, and song-writing skills. There will be opportunity for vocal exploration and the development of understanding of technique. We will explore the history of vocal music in various contexts, as you develop a working knowledge of vocal care, along with care of the body and mind.  

On this module you will explore the world of drums and percussion across a mix of styles, genres and cultures. You will listen to and compare different music styles and start to devise your own pieces. This is an opportunity to develop your awareness of rhythm and pulse as you work with new percussion instruments and develop your own work. This module will see you explore and practise:

• West African djembe drumming
• Brazilian samba
• Javanese gamelan
• Japanese Taiko drumming
• Western contemporary percussion

On this module you continue to develop your ability to create music collaboratively. Together you will explore different strategies for effective ensemble rehearsal, both in groups and individually. You will then apply these techniques as you continue to work with ensembles in a range of genres and styles. Your engagement in weekly concerts will continue throughout this module.

On this module you will continue your exploration of research in the field of musicology. You will start researching independently, and exploring complex ideas in more detail. Through a series of projects you will explore different themes, while also developing and fine tuning your musical skills. These themes might include:

• Music and film
• Newness in music
• Identity in music
• Musical fusion
• Creativity in music
• Music ownership and originality

On this module you will have the opportunity to experiment with ways of creating and distributing music. We want you to blur the lines between composer and performer to gain a wider understanding of how music is created. You will develop creative skills in crafting music, along with technical skills in performing music unconventionally. This will involve investigating improvisation and considering how you can include it in your work. Alongside this, you will also think about the philosophical issues that surround the creation of music.

On this module you will focus on your future and the professional applications of what you have learnt through your degree. The module is split into 2 parts. In the first you will conduct research into different employment opportunities related to music. This might involve interviewing professionals working in the arts industries or reading related literature. For the second part of the module you will work with your classmates to plan, rehearse and perform a repertoire show. This will give you experience of managing the entire process of producing a large stage performance. You will take on a role such as:

• Music editor
• Music director
• Set designer, stage manager or script editor
• Performer
• Rehearsal pianist
• Arranger or orchestrator

This module is your introduction to the vibrant and exciting practice of community music. You will consider the history of community music in the UK, as you explore the main theories and concepts surrounding it. You will learn how to set out basic workshop structures, including the planning, implementation, and evaluation of sessions. You will apply this learning and gain experience by working in a local community music setting. Practising community musicians will have input during the module, helping you consider options for future engagement in the field.

On this module we will help you to develop your understanding of compositional techniques. You will investigate song writing, music technologies and the multimedia applications for music, including films, games and installations. As you apply these new techniques to your own work, you will continue to develop your musical notation abilities, exploring lead sheets, text scores and more. You will have the chance to work with students who specialise in performance as you develop your work, and to write for visiting professional performers.

This module will help you to develop as a solo performer across a range of styles and genres. You will enhance your technical and interpretative abilities on an instrument of your choice in weekly instrumental lessons. Alongside this, we will introduce you to effective performance preparation strategies. This includes finding an effective practice routine, and finding ways of dealing with tension and anxiety in performance.

Ensemble leadership is an important skill for all musicians, regardless of style, genre, musical ability or context. On this module we will introduce you to different leadership styles. You will learn to understand your own personality traits and consider how they can impact on your leadership. You will continue to engage with staff and peer-led ensembles, culminating in several performances throughout the semester. Our Ensemble Leadership Forum also gives you a platform to reflect on and discuss issues you have come across when leading ensembles.

This is your opportunity to specialise in an area of music that you are passionate about. For your dissertation you will choose your topic, design the research, and complete an extended piece of written research. You will explore your topic through analysis, experimentation, theory and practice. This module includes a large portion of independent study, but you will be supported by a dissertation tutor throughout and receive feedback as you progress.

On this module you will engage with an extensive creative project. You can collaborate with artists across different specialisms and courses, bringing your expertise together to create your final piece, performance or product. For example, you might work with a dance or theatre performer, or a film production student. We will support you with your project through lectures that explore practice-based research methods, providing examples of effective collaborative practice. You will also receive individual and group tutorial support throughout the module.

On this module we will encourage you to consider your future as a musician. We will help you to develop skills in self management, planning and organisation, as well as giving you multiple opportunities for work experience. You will also develop your research skills in areas relevant to future professional opportunities. By the end of the module you will have created an individual portfolio spanning multiple platforms in both written and digital formats. The portfolio will be orientated towards your individual business and professional interests and aid you in the future.

During this year long module you will continue to develop as a reflective practitioner, working with one of our collaborative community partners. You will become more independent in developing both your research and practice, engaging specifically with contemporary aspects of community music. We will also consider the recent emergence of community music as a recognised field of academic research.

You will:

• Develop your abilities in planning, implementing, and evaluating community music work for specific contexts
• Critically reflect on your practice
• Develop a professional approach to your work, including networking
• Situate your own practice within national and international discourses of community music